TEENAGERS NORMALISING PREGNANCY AT KHANYAYO LOCATION IN FLAGSTAFF

Khanyayo location in Flagstaff is grappling with a silent crisis of teenage pregnancy fast becoming an accepted part of life with many young girls in the community viewing motherhood as a rite of passage to womanhood rather than a life-altering event, according to a research study.

On day 2 of the SA Humanities Dean’s Association (SAHUDA) conference, Yolanda Nyolukana, a master’s student at Walter Sisulu University, captivated the audience with a shocking presentation themed ‘normalisation of teenage pregnancy by teenagers of Khanyayo location in Flagstaff.’

Nyolukana said she delved into the subject to uncover the root course of girls normalising teenage pregnancy.

“One of the most striking aspects of the research in Khanyayo location was the way in which teenage pregnancy was deeply accepted by many young girls in that community, becoming a mother was not seen as a deviation but rather as a natural part of growing up,” said Nyolukana.

The researcher recalled an astonishing interview with a teen mother, who told her: “I personally do not see anything wrong with teenage pregnancy because everyone is getting pregnant now and others already have two kids, only few girls here at Khanyayo do not have children.’’

Nyolukana further observed that lack of contraceptive use and misconception about reproductive health, may be the driving force behind the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the area.

“These may be significant contributing factors to the normalisation of teenage pregnancy as many teenagers proved to have limited access to accurate information about contraception and some believed that using contraceptives would lead to infertility or other health problems,” noted Nyolukana.

A written statement from another local teenager read: “Pills and injections are for people who already have kids, I never used any of the contraceptives before because I feared not having children later as they have the potential to affect fertility.”

The normalisation of teenage pregnancy in Khanyayo location is a complex issue that requires comprehensive and multifaceted approach, Nyolukana noted.

By Mahle Sokiti